A controversial statue situated at Monumental Avenue in Richmond, Virginia, is set to be removed on 8th September 2021.
According to Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, several lawsuits had been filed challenging the removal of the Robert E. Lee monument. The Civil War general shrines will finally come down after more than 130 years of standing at the site.
“Virginia’s largest monument to the confederate insurrection will come down this week. This is an important step in showing who we are and what we value as a commonwealth.”
Lee was a graduate of the US Military Academy and became a proficient wartime tactician. He led Confederate States Army as general of Northern Virginia.
Some Southerners see the statue as a symbol of her effort in the war. However, those who support the removal of the monument say the memorial represents a white supremacist mythologized version of Southern heritage.
“It’s a divisive issue, but the Robert E. Lee removal marks a monumental moment in the city’s history. And it coincides with one of the largest investment proposals in recent memory in Richmond”.
Richmonds have two development projects that will promote diversity and separate the city from the Civil War past. The City Council has already passed a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis. The resolution calls for the implementation of laws and policies that promotes new minority-owned enterprises.
City officials have already received numerous pitches from interested casino operators and developers. Cordish Companies, a black-owned conglomerate, is bidding for a $600 million casino targeting Scott’s Addition neighborhood.
